Rod holder

Abstract

An improved fishing rod holder uses a spring loaded tubular receptacle within which the rod is placed. A fixed locking element extends within the tubular receptacle and provides a fulcrum on which the rod pivots such that force applied to the rod tip increases the gripping force applied to the rod. Removal and insertion of the rod is accomplished by pivoting the tubular receptacle relative to the locking element.

What I claim is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for holding a fishing rod having a handle portion and a reel mounting bracket, comprising: (a) a tubular member having a length greater than the handle portion of said rod and a diameter greater than said handle portion and having a transverse slot through its under surface near one end thereof;   (b) a mounting bracket pivotally attached to said tubular member distal said one end and having a first upright portion extending upwards through said transverse slot;   (c) spring means for biasing said one end downwardly; and   (d) means for fastening said mounting bracket to a support surface.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said tubular member has a longitudinally extending recess at the upper portion of said one end. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said mounting bracket further comprises: (a) second upright portion attached to said tubular member distal said one end, said second upright portion being shorter than said first upright portion such that said tubular member is supported at an angle of 20° to 60° from horizontal alignment; and   (b) a horizontal base portion connecting said first upright portion and said second upright portion.   
     
     
       4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said spring means comprise a spring steel element connected between said second upright portion and said tubular member. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the end of said first upright portion is generally concave transversely to said tubular member such that a rod handle inserted in said one end is engaged thereby about a portion of its circumference. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said first upright portion includes a stop engagable with said tubular member to limit the downward motion thereof. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring means comprises a formed spring steel loop connected between said mounting bracket and said tubular element. 
     
     
       8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first upright portion is adapted to engage a rod handle inserted in said one end. 
     
     
       9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring means comprises a tension spring connected between said mounting bracket and said tubular element. 
     
     
       10. Apparatus for holding a fishing rod having a handle and a reel carrying bracket, comprising: (a) a tubular member for receiving said rod handle pivotally mounted at one end and having a transverse slot through its under surface proximal a second end thereof;   (b) a fixed upright member extending through said transverse slot to engage a rod handle within said tubular member such that said rod handle is constrained to pivot on said upright member responsive to forces acting on said rod at the tip thereof; and   (c) means for biasing said tubular member downward to maintain engagement of said upright member within said transverse slot.   
     
     
       11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 further comprising: (a) a mounting bracket pivotally connected to said tubular member at said one end and adapted to form said fixed upright member; and   (b) means for attaching said mounting bracket to a supporting surface.   
     
     
       12. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said tubular member is supported at an inclination of between 20° and 60° from the horizontal. 
     
     
       13. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said first upright portion includes a stop engagable with said tubular member to limit the downward motion thereof. 
     
     
       14. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said tubular member has a longitudinally extending recess at the upper portion of said one end.